It's not just the dazzling waves of Malibu that Denise Richards is navigating, but also the choppy waters of a high-stakes divorce. The former 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star is turning to the courts in an attempt to keep her reality TV salary under wraps during her split from Aaron Phypers. This request, filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court on June 26, is more than just a plea for privacy – it's a strategic move to safeguard her ongoing relationships with production companies and protect her public persona.
Richards, 55, fears that publicizing her salary from 'RHOBH' could violate existing nondisclosure agreements and potentially sour her professional relationships. "Public disclosure of my income is not just a breach of my contracts but could also impact my standing with other cast members and production teams," she noted in her court documents.
“Given Aaron's past actions of sharing false information, I am deeply concerned about my career and how this could further harm my reputation," Richards expressed.
The divorce saga, which began when Phypers filed for separation citing "irreconcilable differences," quickly turned into a tabloid headline grabber. Just days after the filing, Richards sought a temporary restraining order, accusing Phypers of emotional and physical abuse – allegations he vehemently denies.
Richards has presented evidence, including a photograph showing her with a black eye, which she claims was a result of Phypers' abusive behavior. On the stand, she recounted threats from Phypers, "Throughout our marriage, Aaron threatened to kill me and himself and the police," she stated in legal documents. Phypers, however, has consistently denied these claims, branding them as "completely false and deeply hurtful."
Despite the legal drama, Phypers maintains his innocence. In a public statement to People and Us Weekly, he said, "Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise – or anyone."
As the legal proceedings continue, both parties are entangled in a battle that reflects the glamour and grit of Hollywood's real-life soap operas. With a five-year restraining order now in place for Richards, her focus remains on protecting her personal and professional life from further turmoil.